Photo ID Now Required During Early Voting, Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, and on Election Day Nov. 5

Austin, TX - "To have a say on whether 9 proposed amendments become part of the Texas Constitution, you need to vote," says Linda Krefting, Chair of the League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund. "The issues at stake on the November 5 ballot are important to all Texans--property tax exemptions for military families, reverse mortgages for seniors, filling short-term city council vacancies, sanctions for judicial misconduct, and funding for water."

To help Texas voters cast an informed ballot, the LWV-Texas Education Fund provides helpful, nonpartisan information on both the proposed constitutional amendments and the election process. Voters Guides for the Constitutional Amendment Election with the ballot language, an explanation, and balanced arguments for and against each proposition plus helpful information on the new photo ID requirement and other aspects of voting are available in English and Spanish at www.lwvtexas.org and www.VOTE411.org. Print copies will be available through many libraries and distribution by local Leagues. A Constitutional Amendment page on www.lwvtexas.org provides additional information on the constitutional amendment process and proposals considered by the 2013 Texas Legislature.

Early voting is from October 21 to November 1. Voters can vote at any county location during early voting. Election Day is November 5 with polls open from 7 am to 7 pm.

Texas now requires voters to show photo ID at the polls. IDs that can be accepted include: one of four Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued photo IDs (driver's license, personal ID card, concealed handgun license, or election identification certificate) or one of three United States gov­ernment issued photo IDs (passport, military ID card, US citizenship or naturalization certificate). The photo ID must be current or expired no more than 60 days. Other photo IDs, including student IDs and employment IDs, cannot be accepted at the polls.

Those unable to vote in person during early voting or on election day can apply for a ballot by mail by contacting the county elections office or by downloading the application from http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/pol-sub/5-15f.pdf. The completed application must be received (not postmarked) by Oct. 25. Photo ID is not required to vote by mail.

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund (LWV-TEF) encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues. LWV-TEF never supports or opposes candidates for office, or political parties. LWV-TEF provides objective information in Voters Guides and VOTE411.org that voters need to understand voting requirements and cast an informed ballot.